DAILY STATISTICS
Latest BBC UK data:
Positive tests: 1,849,403 have tested positive (+ 18,447 new cases)
Loss of life: 64,170 across all settings (+ 144 new deaths)
Hospital admissions: 1,686 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 364 cases 01 Dec to 07 Dec (+22 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 124 cases per 100,000 01 Dec to 07 Dec (England area average: 134)
Deaths in Stockport: 453 coronavirus-related registered to 27 November
Total cases in Stockport: 11,062 to 11 December
R rate in England: 0.8-1.0
The latest published data can found here
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.8 -1.0 and the growth rate range is 0% to -2% to 0% per day as of 4 December 2020.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
BBC: Covid vaccine: GPs in England to begin offering Pfizer jab
Covid vaccinations will start being given to patients from GP surgeries in England as part of the next stage of the rollout of the programme.
GP practices in more than 100 locations will receive their first deliveries of the vaccine later, the NHS said. Some will start vaccinating on Monday afternoon, with the majority getting under way on Tuesday. Tens of thousands of people in the UK received the Pfizer-BioNTech jab last week in hospitals.
Like last week, GP practices will prioritise over-80s, along with health and care staff.
First wave of targeted Tier 3 community testing initiatives announced
67 local authorities have been given approval to begin enhanced testing support programmes as soon as Monday to drive down transmission rates in their areas.
HMRC: Brexit transition period ends in 17 days – is your business prepared?
The Brexit transition period ends in 20 days. If your business trades goods with Europe or you represent businesses who do, you’ll need to be prepared for changes that will come into effect from 1?????? ?January 2021. These are challenging times, but it is important to make sure that your business is ready for these new rules. At the time of writing, talks are ongoing about our future trading arrangements with Europe. These rules will not change or go away, and the steps that you need to take to prepare, are needed in any scenario before you can trade from 1??? ?January.
If you’re new to customs processes it will help you to watch our series of short videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel which introduce importing and exporting:
- What you need to know to send goods out of the UK
- What you need to know to bring goods into the UK
- What are controlled goods?
HMRC also have a Trader checklist to help you prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period. In addition, HMRC are running live webinars where you can hear the latest information and ask questions to help you prepare for these new rules:
Exporting: Actions you need to take to prepare for 1??? ?January 2021
The webinar explains what actions you need to take to export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. We’ll provide a run-through of the key export processes – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates and authorisations that you’ll need. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
What are customs import declarations?
If you import goods, you’ll need to prepare for making customs import declarations on controlled goods from 1??? ?January, and by the end of June on all goods. This webinar will help you to understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, making import declarations without authorisation and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
HMRC update their webinars constantly to provide you with the latest government guidance and information as it develops.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport among Greater Manchester areas to get rapid testing
The UK government is introducing rapid lateral flow tests to 67 Tier-3 communities across the country. The hope is this will help flatten the curve of COVID.
Eight areas of Greater Manchester will be among those communities that will take part in the programme – Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Salford, Tameside Trafford, and Wigan. All communities involved in this first wave of testing will receive government support for the duration of the programme which lasts six weeks. This new testing is an add-on to the schemes implemented by local directors of public health. Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the enhanced testing programmes are a “vital additional tool” when it comes to asymptomatic cases. This news follows the mass testing pilot that took place in Liverpool.
750 new manufacturing jobs forecast from Made Smarter investment
SME manufacturing businesses in the North-west to have benefited from the Made Smarter scheme are forecast to create 750 new jobs across the region from their adoption of new technology. The North-west technology adoption pilot has worked with 1,131 businesses to introduce digital tools and technologies, provide advice to businesses and upskill workforces to boost productivity and growth for the sector. Over the next three years, new technologies adopted by manufacturing firms in the North-west are expected to deliver a £118.9 million boost the region’s economic output, as well as create a further 761 new jobs, in addition to 1,585 upskilled workers as a result of the Made Smarter scheme.
£114m lost in wages for Greater Manchester’s hospitality sector
Campaigning group UnitedCity has revealed the results of its first piece of research, estimating that in the run-up to Christmas, Manchester’s night time economy workforce could be missing out on £8.1m per day in wages. The sector accounts for 33% of all employment in Greater Manchester, with circa 414,000 people in the region working in jobs or businesses which are active at night. The current Tier Three allocation the region has been placed in has seen a near-complete shutdown of its hospitality and leisure industry, save for some restaurants, bars and coffee shops pivoting to a takeaway offering.
Stockport County contribute to Council’s support package for Stockport families
Thousands of families across Stockport will receive support from the Council for the cost of their food and utility bills this Christmas. Families of 7,500 school age children, who are eligible for income-based Free School Meals, will receive a £30 voucher per eligible child to help with the costs of food, utilities and other essentials this winter. A second payment will follow in the New Year. The scheme has been funded by central government, as well as contributions from Stockport County FC following a fundraising campaign from the club. The vouchers will be sent directly to families in the coming weeks via email. Those families without email access will receive their vouchers by post.
Business grant schemes designed to provide support in and out of lockdown
There are a number of business grant schemes available that cover different periods of time and different situations, such as being under national lockdown.
Updated with info for businesses to check on eligibility etc. to the new grants: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19#support-for-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-restrictions
The Council currently has two live business grant schemes – both for businesses that have a business rates liability, and they are for the following circumstances:
- For the period of being in Tier 3 from 23/10/20 to 04/11/20 – link to guidance and applications is here – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers
- For the period of new national restrictions (lockdown) from 05/11/20 – link to guidance and applications is here – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers/local-restrictions-support-grant-5th-november
Payments made to those venues that were require to close in March 2020 and have remained closed since, e.g.: Nightclubs. Payment will be made for the period 1st to 4th November. Eligible businesses will be entitled to receive a National Lockdown grant from 5th November 2020.
The Council’s Discretionary Grant Schemes for businesses are now open for applications.
There are two schemes available for eligible, qualifying businesses:
- The Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses), and;
- The Additional Restrictions Grant (for the latest period of National Restrictions from 04/11/20 and 02/12/20)
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
It is anticipated that there will be a high volume of applications and contacts to be processed so it will not be possible for members of the team to respond to individual enquiries at this time.”
Grant payments made to 07/12/2020:
National Lockdown Scheme:
A single payment made to businesses who are required to close by Government between 5th November 2020 and 2nd December 2020.1,170 issued / £1,754,284 – cumulative value
Local Restrictions Grant Scheme (Closed):
Stockport was placed in Tier 3 restrictions for a period of 13 days prior to National Lockdown commencing on 5th November 2020. Therefore Tier3 payments made will be pro-rata for 13 days.
110 issued / £81,891
Local Restrictions Support Grant (Sector):
Payments made to those venues that were require to close in March 2020 and have remained closed since, e.g.: Nightclubs. Payment will be made for the period 1st to 4th November. Eligible businesses will be entitled to receive a National Lockdown grant from 5th November 2020.
1 issued / £285.71
Number of applications as at 07/12.2020:
Received: 1,582
Paid: 1,281
% of applications paid: 80.9%
Discretionary Grants as at 10/12/2020:
Received: 400
Processed: 153 (38.3%)
£s issued: £160,896
By working in collaboration, Stockport can become united and encouraged to build a better future for everyone by supporting the local economy, connecting communities and promoting health & wellbeing. Find out more at www.onestockport.co.uk
AGRICUTURE &RURAL AFFAIRS:
Coming to England for seasonal poultry work on farms and processing sites
Advice for seasonal poultry workers coming to England to process poultry on farms and their employers – updated to reflect that the self-isolation period is now 10 days instead of 14, with day zero being the day of contact.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
UK top hotspot for overseas resi investment
The UK has ranked highest for future residential real estate investment, in a survey of 500 investors, developers and asset managers with more than $3bn AUM from across Europe, China and the US, suggesting the UK real estate market will remain firmly open for business post-Brexit. The findings from the European Real Estate global survey by international law firm DLA Piper found that, overall, the top five countries for investment in residential assets over the next 12 months are all in Europe, with the UK leading the way (33%), followed by France (28%), Germany (25%), Spain (24%) and Italy (18%).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation or passenger locator form requirements.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure.
Vehicles – updated self-isolation guidance for contacts of individuals who test positive for COVID-19. The self-isolation period is now 10 days instead of 14?(section?2.2).
COMMUNITY:
Making a childcare bubble with another household
How you can get informal childcare for anyone under 14 from friends and family you do not live with – updated guidance to reflect that the 14-day isolation period is now 10 days.
Making a support bubble with another household
How you can safely expand the group of people you have close contact with during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Coronavirus and the impacts on different ethnic groups in the UK
Estimates from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) to understand the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people from different ethnic groups in the UK.
Coronavirus and ethnicity: a summary of what we know
Article bringing together previously released analysis from ONS about how people in society are affected by Coronavirus by ethnicity.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
COVID-19: guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
EDUCATION:
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information on student movements in December 2020, the return of students from January 2021 and NHS Test and Trace channels.
Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) cases by registered early years and childcare settings
This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week – added data from 16 and 23 November 2020.
Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term to support the return of children and young people with special education needs and disability (SEND) – updated the isolation period from 14 days to 10 days from the day after an individual tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
School attendance: guidance for schools
Covers registers and attendance codes (including circumstances due to coronavirus (COVID-19)), school hours and term dates, and improving school attendance. Addendum: recording attendance in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19) during the 2020 to 2021 academic year – updated the number of days a person needs to self-isolate after being in contact with someone (member of a household, school community, or local health protection team) who has coronavirus (COVID-19). This is changing from 14 days to 10 days.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): test kits for schools and FE providers
Guidance for schools and further education (FE) providers on the initial supply of coronavirus (COVID-19) home testing kits for pupils, teachers and staff.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination: care home and healthcare settings posters
Information and promotional resources to support the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added revised first phase poster and links to “Get ready” and vaccination session posters.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 in England, December 2020
Data about the characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester and Public Health England.
NHS Test and Trace: how it works
An overview of NHS Test and Trace, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
COVID-19: guidance for care of the deceased
Advice to assist people required to manage bodies of deceased persons infected with coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – training slide set updated.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
COVID-19 vaccination: information for healthcare practitioners
Guidance for healthcare practitioners about the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
COVID-19: guidance for food businesses
Advice for food businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK.
JUDICIARY:
Preventing and controlling outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons and places of detention
Information for prisons and other prescribed places of detention on coronavirus (COVID-19).
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic – update for week commencing Monday 14 December 2020 published.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice to local authorities on prioritising waste collections
A guide to help waste collectors prioritise their collection services during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes managing household waste recycling centres – updated to reflect that for contacts of positive cases the self-isolation period is now 10 days instead of 14, with day zero being the day of contact.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) test kits for children’s homes
Guidance on when and how to test children and staff, including how to order more tests.
MANUFACTURING:
Insider: Manufacturers look at sectors hopes and challenges
Business leaders operating in the manufacturing sector have told Insider about how they are rising to challenges presented by lockdown and Brexit, and their hopes for 2021/. Following publication of Insider’s SME 300, Ed Salt, managing director at Delaware Dairy, Barry Leahey, managing director at Playdale, CLD Fencing’s global sales director Russell Wells, Nick Dykins, managing director at Slingco, and WFEL director Tom Winney were among the guests assembled by Insider to look at how the North West would emerge from the pandemic. Barry Leahey, from playground equipment maker Playdale, said 2021 will be a “recovery year” with firms emerging stronger.
MINISTRY of DEFENCE:
COVID Support Force: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities – updated: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response page as of 11 December 2020.
PROPERTY:
Surge in buy-to-let in bid to beat stamp duty deadline
Around one in seven residential properties purchased in November were snapped up by buy to let investors, according to Countrywide research.
A report by Countrywide’s up-market brand Hamptons says landlords comprised 15 per cent of all purchases last month, over half of which were in cash. It also predicts that be the end of the year – just two weeks from now – investors will have bought around 134,000 homes in 2020, a slight improvement on last year.
Four key points property investors need to check
Covid-19 hasn’t changed the fundamentals of property investment (or any other form of investment). It has, however, changed some of the details. With that in mind, here’s a quick guide to what property investors should be checking in 2021 (and beyond)?
Can a property be sold to residential buyers?
Is the property in a good area?
Is the property suitable for home working?
Is the property energy efficient?
Rightmove: Market frenzy set to last until spring at least
The portal is forecasting a robust four per cent average house price growth in 2021 across the UK as a whole, after ending 2020 some 6.6 per cent higher. And it says the current stamp duty holiday has undoubtedly added some extra momentum, but buyer demand was already very high even prior to its announcement in July. Rightmove reports that sales remain resilient now, 53 per cent higher than this time a year ago, despite the decreasing likelihood of completion by March 31 if a sale is agreed now.
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Sections 2.9 and 2.23 of the Landlord and tenant guidance updated to reflect that the 14-day isolation period is now 10 days.
SPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of elite sport
Guidance for elite athletes and coaches on the phased return of elite sport.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test to Release for international travel
Pay for a COVID-19 test to find out if you can reduce your self-isolation period after international travel.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate – self-isolation period on arrival in England changed from 14 days to 10 days.
SunExpress to launch direct flights from Manchester Airport to Antalya
SunExpress, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines is launching a direct flight between Manchester Airport and Antalya in Turkey on 26th March 2021. The route will be served twice per week before going up to four a week from 30thMay. “After a year of staying at home, the people of Britain deserve a sunny vacation”, says Peter Glade, CCO of SunExpress. “Our new services to Antalya will serve the British people to arrive at their well-deserved holiday destination, fast, relaxed and for a competitive price, experiencing our unique SunExpress service.”
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
When you arrive in the UK, you must travel directly to the place you are staying and not leave until 10 days have passed since you were last in a non-exempt country or territory.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here
HMRC:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time to view webinar
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
ACAS
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert level: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online. https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
New opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April